Tasting

Table of Contents

Industry members and retailers can engage in tasting events, which are the presentation and serving of a product to consumers for the purpose of market research, education, promotion of the product, or determination of the flavor of the product.

The amount of product served per person during a tasting is limited to the following:

  • No more than two 0.5 ounce tastes of any brand of alcoholic liquor
  • No more than two 1 ounce tastes of any brand of wine
  • No more than two 2 ounce tastes of any brand of beer
  • No more than two 2 ounce tastes of a mixed drink or cocktail
    • Mixed drinks or cocktails are composed in whole or in part of alcoholic liquor that is combined with other alcoholic beverages, nonalcoholic beverages, or ingredients including, but not limited to, ice, water, soft drinks, or flavorings.

An industry member is prohibited from:

  • Serving a taste to a consumer who is under 21, intoxicated, or simulating intoxication
  • Allowing a person under 18 years of age to serve a taste
  • Serving tastes of brands not represented by the industry member

A retailer is prohibited from:

  • Serving a taste to a consumer who is under 21, intoxicated, or simulating intoxication
  • Allowing a person under 18 years of age to serve a taste

When an industry member is conducting a tasting on a licensed premises:

  • The tasting must be limited to the types of alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the licensed premises
  • The tasting must be held during the hours alcoholic beverages can be legally sold or served
  • Snack foods or hors d’oeuvres can be offered to consumers
  • The alcoholic beverages or food served at the tasting must either be provided by the industry member or purchased at no more than the ordinary retail price from the licensed premises where the tasting is held
  • Any alcoholic beverages or food remaining at the end of the tasting must be removed from the licensed premises by the industry member

When an industry member is conducting a tasting on an unlicensed premises:

  • Tastes of alcoholic liquor are not allowed, unless the premises is considered a private place as defined in Iowa Code section 123.3(42)
  • Tastes of beer or wine may be served, unless:
    • The premises is a public street or highway that hasn’t been closed
    • The premises is on public school property or in relation to a public or private school function
    • A city or county ordinance or regulation prohibits consumption of beer or wine in a public place
  • Alcoholic beverages served during the tasting must be obtained from the respective wholesaler
  • Snack foods or hors d’oeuvres may be offered to consumers
  • Any alcoholic beverages or food remaining at the end of the tasting must be removed from the unlicensed premises by the industry member

Record keeping:

  • Industry members must keep and maintain records related to tastings

When a retailer is conducting a tasting:

  • An off-premises retailer cannot charge for product or access to the tasting
  • Tastes must be served by a retailer, the retailer’s employees or agents, or an industry member who has the explicit consent of the retailer
  • Alcoholic beverages served during a tasting must be legally obtained by the retailer
  • The tasting must be limited to the types of alcoholic beverages allowed by the retailer’s license and available for purchase
  • The tasting must be held during the hours when alcoholic beverages may be legally sold or served
  • Food may be offered to consumers

Iowa Code section 123.46(2); Iowa Administrative Code rr. 701—1003.1, 1003.6, 1003.16